Local Businesses Give Backing to Baillie Wind Farm

21st January 2010

Local businesses have given their backing to Baillie Wind Farm following planning permission being granted by the Scottish Government to build the 52.5MW, 21 turbine wind farm at Bardnaheigh Farm, Westfield by Thurso. The ??80 million project will supply almost 25,000 homes with renewable energy.

In addition to renewable energy generation, the wind far will bring a number of major economic benefits to the area.

Construction of the wind farm will see 30 jobs created, with a number of further maintenance and permanent operations jobs, following completion.

In addition this a wind farm can generate ??2,000 per MW for a local community fund per annum, with the Baillie Wind Farm generating over ??100,000 per annum for a West Caithness Community Fund, supporting local projects and providing five local businesses with rental income. Local businesses, including construction, quarrying and haulage will also potentially benefit from the development of the wind farm, generating further jobs.

Hugh Simpson from Hugh Simpson (Contractors) Ltd, one of northern Scotland`s leading lifting and plant-hire firms, with harbour bases at Wick and Scrabster said:??????

"As a company which has considerable expertise of undertaking specialist lifting for wind turbines and general plant hire, there is the potential for firms such as ours to benefit from wind farm development. The resulting creation of local jobs for local people can only be seen as a good thing."

John Sutherland from Caithness Stone Industries Ltd, which operates four quarries in the area, one of which is based near the Baillie site at Achscrabster said:

"We are the closest quarry to the wind farm site. Much of the waste we create from stone quarrying can be used to build the foundations for the wind turbines as well as improving the road infrastructure."

"Providing opportunities for local businesses and putting money back into the local economy is a good thing for the whole community."

Tom Pottinger, Director of Baillie Wind Farm Ltd, commented: "It is great to have the support of key local businesses. These are the firms who could benefit from wind farm development, creating jobs and generating wealth locally. And the delivery of a Community Benefit Fund also has the potential to substantially regenerate the local area."

Baillie Wind Farm Ltd, will generate 52.5MW of renewable energy, creating enough power to supply almost 25,000 homes. To find out more about the development, please visit: http://www.bailliewindfarm.co.uk/